Musotima aduncalis explained

Musotima aduncalis, also known as the maidenhair fairy moth, is a moth in the family Crambidae.^[1] It was described by Cajetan Felder, Rudolf Felder and Alois Friedrich Rogenhofer in 1875.^[2] This species is endemic to New Zealand.^{[3] [4]}

Description

The larvae are green in colour with a dark head. Adults are variable in colour, ranging from white to ochreous yellow.^[5]

Behaviour

The larvae can be found on the underside of the fern fronds and create clear window like patches when consuming their host. The adult moth is on the wing from October to February.

Hosts

The larvae feed on Adiantum species.^{[6] [7]}

Notes and References

1. 457.
2. Felder. Cajetan. Rogenhofer. Alois Friedrich. 1864–1867. Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara. Reise der österreichischen Fregatte Novara um die Erde in den Jahren 1857, 1858, 1859 unter den Befehlen des Commodore B. Von W. en. pt.9:Bd.2:Abt.2 (1864-1867) Atlas. Plate CXXXV fig 11. Biodiversity Heritage Library.
3. Web site: Musotima aduncalis (Felder & Rogenhofer, 1875). www.nzor.org.nz. Landcare Research New Zealand Ltd. 2018-01-22.
4. Web site: GlobIZ search. Global Information System on Pyraloidea . 2014-07-15.
5. Meyrick. E.. 1884. On the classification of the Australian Pyralidina. Transactions of the Entomological Society of London. en. 1884. 277–350. 10.1111/j.1365-2311.1884.tb01610.x. Biodiversity Heritage Library.
6. Alma Solis. M.. Davis. Donald R.. Nishida. Kenji. September 2005. Life history and systematics of Albusambia elaphoglossumae (Lepidoptera:Crambidae): A new genus and species of musotimine with leaf-mining biology from Costa Rica. Revista de Biología Tropical. 53. 3–4. 487–501. 17354458. 0034-7744.
7. 14.